The Battle Within

by LaShawn Vasser

  “Jay is only two weeks old,” Sandy remarked, “If you two keep that up, you’ll be pregnant before your next wellness exam.”

  “I wouldn’t doubt it. They’ve never been able to keep their hands off of each other. Sandy, you remember that time we all went to the pier to walk along the beach…”

  “And, those two disappeared? My goodness…yes. When we walked back to the car, Jason…you were trying to bribe that police officer who threatened to write you a ticket because he’d caught you and Vicky in your car…ahem…indisposed!”

  Vicky turned beet red, “Oh my god! I can’t believe you guys would even bring that up.”

  Jason wasn’t embarrassed in the least. He wiggled his eyebrows up and down, “Hey…I got out of the ticket, and I must agree that was a great night.”

  Everyone laughed.

  Sandy nodded, “That was a great night. Franklin, remember that was the first time you discovered your love for the beach? I couldn’t believe it was a place you rarely visited. The beach has always been one of my favorite places to go.”

  “I know. I was always too busy, but I’ve managed to continue to find time to get there. I do some of my best thinking at the beach.”

  Sandy was surprised, “You still go?”

  “Yeah, I do. I was just there a few nights ago.”

  She couldn’t hold back the surprise from her face. It was nice to know that something they’d shared was still left intact.

  Vicky and Jason exchanged knowing glances. Whatever was between Franklin and Sandy was still there.

  Sandy realized she and Franklin had been holding each other’s gaze for way too long and in front of those pit bulls with a bone. She broke eye contact to pick off a piece of imaginary lint from her skirt.

  Jason decided to save both of them. Although he shouldn’t, “Oh…before I forget have, you and Franklin RSVP’d your responses to my parent’s anniversary party? It’s in about a month.”

  Franklin was grateful for the anvil, “That is coming up soon isn’t it?”

  Sandy nodded, “I sent mine off already. I still can’t believe your parents celebrate their anniversary with a big party every year.”

  “Yep, my parents have been doing it for as long as I can remember. Vicky, I think we should do the same thing. Maybe we should plan one for next year.”

  She shook her head, “Absolutely NOT. The stress that goes into all the planning your mother puts into those parties is something I would never willingly sign-up for. Sorry.”

  After, a little while, the tension melted away as they all fell into easy conversation for the next few hours. The four of them laughing and talking just like old times.

  Chapter 6

  It had been a little over a year since Sandy stopped burning up her frequent flyer miles and moved to Atlanta. However, to look at her condo, with boxes strewn around everywhere, you would have thought she’d just moved in a week ago.

  “I don’t know why you don’t just throw all this junk away or give it to goodwill. You’re marrying a man with millions. Can’t he buy you some new stuff?”

  Sandra loved her cousin, Andrea Holt, like a sister. She was part of the reason Sandy decided to relocate to Atlanta in the first place. Her cute, petite, five-foot even, red-headed cousin could pass for her sister except that her eyes were blue, and Andrea’s were cat-like and green.

  However, today Andrea was getting on her last nerve. Too bad Vicky had just given birth. Otherwise, she would have asked her to help pack up her things.

  Andrea had a soft, delicate beauty about her oval shaped face. But, she was a pure spitfire. Now, that’s what Sandy loved about her…on most days.

  She wore her hair shoulder length and bone straight. It kept falling out of her ponytail holder and into her face. Irritated, Andrea grumbled, “As a matter of fact, isn’t there some rule about this? I think all of the boxes that you haven’t opened since you’ve been here should be tossed. You probably don’t even know what’s in them.”

  Sandra spoke evenly, “I’m not throwing my stuff away.”

  “Come on. Some of these boxes haven’t been opened since you left Minnesota. Now, you’re packing up all the new stuff you’ve purchased. I’m going to start thinking you’re a hoarder. Couldn’t Roman have paid someone to do this?”

  Sandy was bent over on her knees going through a box marked fragile. Andrea did have one point, she honestly hadn’t opened most of these boxes since she’d moved to Atlanta. However, delicately, Sandy pulled out an object wrapped in newspaper from the box. Carefully, she took it off. It was a beautiful porcelain decorative dish.

  Staring in awe, “Look at this…isn’t it beautiful?” She whispered almost to herself, “I remember exactly when I got this.” Or, better still who gave it to her. Affectionately, she brushed the tips of her fingers around it as she spoke, “Andrea, I’m keeping all of my things. I worked too hard for them just to throw them away or give them to good will just because I’m getting married.”

  Andrea huffed as she closed and applied tape to another large box, “Can you pleeeassse stop pulling things out of the boxes! We’re supposed to be packing, and now you want to unpack? Anyway, is that why you are not going to sell your condo? And, how does Roman feel about that?”

  Sandy looked up at her cousin, “Feel about what?”

  “You’re getting married and starting a new life in a couple of months, yet you’re holding on to all of these old things, including this condo. How does Roman feel about you not selling it?”

  “Roman hasn’t said much about it. I’m sure he probably thinks it’s a good business decision. You know the real estate market still hasn’t completely recovered.”

  Andrea raised a perfectly sculpted eyebrow, “Are you trying to convince me you’re not selling the condo because of the market?”

  Bright blue eyes gazed at her in bewilderment, “Yes…why else would I not sell it?”

  “Because you have severe trust issues when it comes to men. So much so, that I was completely taken by surprise when you told me that you accepted Roman’s proposal. Especially, after…well…Joshua Jones and then Franklin.”

  Sandy winced, “Okay, I’ll admit that my last couple of relationships have ended in complete disaster but I’m proof positive that if you kiss enough toads, you’ll eventually find your prince.”

  Andrea laughed, “I still think it’s funny that you ran all the way from Minnesota to get away from Franklin only to have him relocate here six months later.” She shook her head, “I just knew you two would figure things out.”

  After Sandy and Franklin had broken up, she wanted a fresh start. To get away from everything that was connected to him, except Vicky and Jason. They were like family.

  So, she quit her job, moved to Atlanta, and opened a small jewelry boutique with Andrea. But, as luck would have it, Jason ended up moving CkR International’s headquarters to Atlanta.

  “Number one…I didn’t run away from anybody or anything. Number two…I’m just at an age where I want to do what makes me happy. I wanted a career and not a job, and I wanted to be closer to my own family…”

  Andrea interrupted, “Most of our family lives in Louisiana.”

  Sandy laughed, “I said closer not close. Can you imagine?”

  Andrea laughed too, “No, I can’t. That’s why I live in Atlanta too.”

  “Life is pretty darn good here.”

  “Have you run into either of them?

  “Who?”

  “Franklin or Joshua?”

  “I can’t remember the last time I’ve seen or talked to Joshua. He’s still in Minnesota.”

  “Hmmm…but you have talked to Franklin then?”

  Sandy broke eye contact. She started fumbling around with the other items in her box.

  Andrea followed Sandy’s eyes, “Uh-oh. You’re nervous. Oh, my goodness…you have!”

  She looked heavenward, “Yes. Of course, I’ve seen him! He’s Jason’s best friend. We’re bound to run into eac
h other every now and again.”

  The questions started bubbling over, “When? What happened? What was it like? Does he know you’re engaged?”

  Sandy wasn’t about to share that intimate moment she’d had with him at the hospital. She was still too raw from it.

  “A couple of weeks ago at Angel’s birthday party. The day Roman proposed.”

  Curious, Andrea gave Sandy her undivided attention, “How’d he take the news?”

  “How was he supposed to take it? He’s with April, and I’m with Roman.”

  Andrea looked thoughtful for a moment, “Can I ask you something?”

  “You…asking if you can ask something? Hell is freezing over.”

  “Stop it. I'm serious.”

  Sandy expelled a breath, “Sure, go ahead. What do you want to know?”

  “Do you love Roman?”

  She stuttered, “Wha…What? Why would you ask me something like that? My god…we’re getting married.”

  Andrea’s eyes never left Sandy’s face, “Because…I love you like a sister, and I don’t want you settling. I don’t think I’ve ever heard you say it.”

  Sandy glared at Andrea and pressed her hand across her chest, “Roman is an amazing man! He’s never made me feel insecure. Not once. What don’t you guys get about that?! He not only loves me, but he respects me too. I would be a fool not to marry him!”

  Putting her hands up and waving a white napkin as if in surrender she uttered, “Okay…okay. You’re marrying Roman…I get it.”

  However, it wasn’t lost on Andrea that she still had never heard Sandy say that she loved Roman.

  *****

  The week had been long, and Franklin was more than ready for the weekend. He stuffed his briefcase with a couple of financial reports that needed reviewing when there was a knock on his door. Looking up, he saw a face that he would never have expected, “Troy?”

  “In the flesh.” His mega-watt smile was all too familiar.

  Troy Erickson strolled into the office as Franklin came from around his desk to embrace his baby brother. “Man…what are you doing here? It’s so good to see you. It’s been a long time.”

  “And whose fault is that? You’re always too busy for a visit, so I decided to take matters into my hands.” Troy hugged him back, “It’s good to see you too.”

  It had been several years since Franklin and Troy were actually in the same room. To look at them you would have never known that they were brothers and that Franklin was more than seven years older.

  They had very few physical traits in common except maybe their height. They were both over six feet tall. Franklin may have been an inch or two taller, but they were as different as night and day.

  Troy looked more like their mother, with sun-bleached blond hair that fell into his pale blue eyes, and a serious California tan.

  Franklin also would have never been caught dead in a pair of khaki shorts, sandals, and a button up shirt. Troy was as carefree as the clothes he wore. No one would have ever guessed that he was Dr. Troy Adam Erickson, a very successful neurosurgeon.

  Franklin, on the other hand, looked more like his father which he and Troy didn’t share. He was darker. His skin was more olive than fair, and he kept his dark hair cut tapered, short, maybe a little longer at the top. Franklin was more comfortable in a suit or dress slacks. Even on his down days he’d never be caught dead in khaki’s.

  His eyes were more chocolate maybe even closer to black depending on his mood. And, he kept his body in tip-top shape. Troy was in great shape too, but he was leaner, whereas Franklin was a bit more muscular. But, the one thing they did have in common was their smile. It was their mother’s smile.

  “So…what are you doing here?”

  “I needed a vacation. If I stayed back home in California, I would have ended up at the hospital working. So, I figured what the hell. I packed a bag and decided to come for a visit.”

  Troy whistled as he looked around his office. “Wow…this is a really nice place. Is it bigger than the one you had in Minnesota?”

  Franklin smirked, “Maybe a little.”

  “I can’t believe you actually moved here. Big change has never been easy for you.”

  “When the boss says you’re moving…you either move or look for another job.”

  “Right…we all know Mr. Rutherford has always treated you like one of his sons. If you didn’t want to relocate, he would have worked something out.”

  Franklin nodded, “Maybe. Look, I was just about to leave for the day. Where are you staying? No matter, wherever it is…you might as well check out. You’re staying with me and not at some hotel.”

  Troy was hesitant. He rubbed his chin, “I don’t know. You know April and me are like oil and water. That might not be such a good idea.”

  “Nonsense. I won’t take no for an answer. April doesn’t live with me. She has her place. However, she is out of town at some medical conference. She won’t be back until next week.”

  Troy couldn’t help but think about the last time she went out of town because that was also the last time he and Franklin had seen each other. He’d dropped into town for a visit and she’d broken off their engagement. Franklin was devastated.

  He couldn’t understand for the life of him what Franklin saw in her beyond the obvious. She was somewhat attractive…kind of. And, she was very petite. The very opposite of the type of women Franklin dated in the past. April couldn’t have been much more than a couple of inches over five feet.

  She wasn’t curvy enough for his taste. She wasn’t really curvy at all. Nothing stood out about her except maybe her eyes. They were an interesting color…hazel maybe. And, they always looked as if they were hiding something. April reminded him of one of those stern librarians on television, even down to the blunt cut of her brunette hair. It wouldn’t hurt for her to spend a little time in the sun either. She was way too pale.

  Yes, he’d seen more attractive women. And…in Franklin’s circles he was surrounded by them. Not to mention, April could be really bitchy when Franklin wasn’t around. Hell, she was bitchy when Franklin was around.

  How she was able to wrap him around her fingers was beyond him. Who knows…maybe he was a little hard on her because he just didn’t like her.

  “Alright, I haven’t booked anything yet. But, I’m only agreeing if you promise not to spend all of your time working while I’m here.”

  “I was packing up to leave for the weekend. I’ve just got to stop by Jason’s to drop off a report. But, other than that…my weekend is pretty free.”

  “Don’t they have e-mail for that?”

  “Cyber security is just not what it should be. Some things we need to hand deliver.” Franklin was happy to have an opportunity to spend some quality time with Troy. It had been way too long.

  “They just had another baby right?”

  Franklin smiled proudly, “Yeah…a couple of weeks ago. He’s my godson.”

  “If they’re looking for a brooding, much too serious for his age type of guy…I must say…you are a good choice.” Troy chuckled, “Just kidding. You’re an excellent choice.”

  He folded his arms across his chest, “You know…speaking of parents…” Troy hesitated, but Franklin seemed to be in a good spirit, so he went ahead, “I was asked to ask you…”

  The mood in the room instantly changed. The jubilance was quickly replaced with a frigidness unlike any other, “No.”

  Frustrated, Troy ran his fingers through his hair, “Come on Franklin, you should really call her. How long are you going to punish mom?”

  He gritted his teeth, “Troy, I love you, but there are a lot of things you just don’t understand.”

  “Try me.” He paused, “I know every day she wishes that she’d never left you behind, and I know that she loves you, man. There’s not a day that goes by that she doesn’t mention you.”

  Franklin’s eyes flashed with pent up rage, “She left me. She left me when I was eight years old and never
looked back. I had to deal with the fall-out…alone. She stopped being my mother the day she walked out of that door. Samantha Erickson is your mother…not mine.”

  He hated the way he was barely able to contain his anger at just the mention of Samantha’s name. Franklin prided himself on being able to maintain self-control. He took a couple of deep calming breaths.

  Thank god for the Rutherford’s and Camille. Several years after his mother left, his father met and married her. That was also right around the time his father began to change for the better.

  It was a losing battle trying to get Franklin to reconcile with their mother. Troy understood the anger and why Franklin would feel abandoned but if he’d just talk to her…he would find out there was another side. Matthew Roth had been a world-class bastard back then. He’d abused his wife and child until Samantha couldn’t take it anymore and left. She’d left with just the clothes on her back and a broken arm.

  If it weren’t for spending some of their summers with his mother’s sister, Aunt Lyra, he and Franklin wouldn’t have had any relationship at all. But, over those summers, they grew very close.

  Troy threw up his hands, “I surrender…for now. But, you have to know…I’m always going to try. I love you both.”

  Franklin visibly relaxed. The tension radiating from his body eased just a bit. Samantha Erickson was dead to him. The woman who raised him and protected him had been Camille Roth. In his mind, she would always be his real mother.

  Troy could see Franklin still wasn’t ready to forgive their mother. He just hoped that they would reconcile before it was too late.

  Chapter 7

  Loudly, the timer on the oven buzzed and not a moment too soon since Roman was on his way over for dinner. Sandy picked up an oven mitt off of the counter and put it on. The smell of Italian bread, butter, and garlic permeated the air. It made her mouth water. Bending low, she opened the oven to find the bread was ready. Smiling to herself, she whispered, “perfect” as she pulled it out.

  Her kitchen wasn’t new, or incredibly large like Roman’s, but it was efficient. On most days, all she needed was the microwave anyway. It got a full workout heating up take-out food. And, since she ate almost all of her meals in front of the television, who cared that it was only big enough to fit comfortably her two-seater café table set. Not her since she was the only one living in the refurbished apartment at least for now. However, the stainless steel appliances and mahogany wood cabinets did add a nice little modern touch to it.